Article: Craft beers' froth ebbs <> Economy tempers sales, but optimistic brewers consider glasses half full

Beer is supposedly one of those Joe Lunchbox products that people continue to buy even when the economy is tanking.

But that doesn't necessarily hold up when you're selling a six- pack of Capital Brewery Wisconsin Amber for around $7.50, instead of Miller High Life for about three bucks less.

Capital Brewery Co., Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. and other craft brewers have been hit by a softening economy that's led consumers to cut their bar tabs and conserve their beer bucks.

"People have less disposable income," said Dick Leinenkugel, vice president of sales and marketing at the Chippewa Falls-based brewer. "They're prioritizing their spending on food and fuel, and spending less on going out ...